In France, on September 10, 2020, Le Monde headlined: ”The EU has authorized the export of more than 80,000 tonnes of pesticides which are nevertheless prohibited within the Union.“ The [hook of the article] evoked their “very high toxicity”.
The importing States were obviously not of the same opinion, and these pesticides have long been authorized in the EU.
As part of its Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability – Towards a Toxics-Free Environment , published on 14 October 2020, [the European Commission] announced that the European Union will “lead by example and, respecting its international commitments, will ensure that hazardous chemicals banned in the European Union are not produced for export, including by amending applicable legislation where necessary”.
The Luddites obviously rejoiced.
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At the National Assembly, Ms. Lise Magnier (UDI) wondered about “the future of French companies producing plant protection products that we do not use in Europe, and the consequences… on jobs in French companies. ”
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It may sound selfish.
But it is just as selfish to want to impose our ideas on the dangers of certain pesticides – to be distinguished from the risks – on third countries which obviously do not want them.
[Editor’s note: This article has been translated from French and edited for clarity.]
